The Connecticut Sun may soon pack their bags and head to Boston. A deal is reportedly in the works for the Sun to be sold by the Mohegan Tribe to a group led by Steve Pagliuca, a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, for a whopping $325 million. If this deal goes through, it would be the highest price ever for a professional women’s team.
This move could include a new practice facility in Boston, costing an additional $100 million. However, the deal must be approved by the WNBA’s Board of Governors first.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is fully supportive of the idea. She sees this as a chance to boost Boston’s basketball scene, stating, “It would be great for Boston and the WNBA.” She points out the recent success of the sport in the area, highlighted by sellout crowds at TD Garden. Healey believes Boston could be the perfect home for the team, representing all of New England.
Boston has often been mentioned in talks about WNBA expansion. Over the next five years, the league plans to introduce teams in cities like Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This movement in the WNBA reflects a growing interest in women’s sports. According to a recent survey, 43% of fans say they enjoy women’s sports more than ever, with viewership numbers steadily rising.
Historically, the Sun franchise has had an interesting journey. They started as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 and relocated to Connecticut in 2002. Since then, the team has reached the WNBA finals four times. If the move to Boston happens, it would be the second relocation in their history.
As more fans rally behind women’s sports, this potential move could be a significant step in promoting the league and increasing its visibility. In a world where women’s sports are finally getting the attention they deserve, the Connecticut Sun’s future may turn out to be brighter than ever.
For more insights into the evolving landscape of women’s professional sports, you can read about trends in women’s sports viewership on ESPN’s studies here.
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Boston Celtics, the Boston Globe, Connecticut Sun, Steve Pagliuca, WNBA, Mohegan Tribe, Boston, Maura Healey
